Family and Consumer Sciences Degree

Explore the Family and Consumer Sciences degree

Do you have a passion for home-related functions such as family living, consumer economics, foods and nutrition, clothing and textiles, child development, and parenting? If yes, consider a Family and Consumer Sciences degree from Wayne State College.

As a Family and Consumer Sciences major, you'll get to choose from one of four concentrations to prepare for careers that improve individual, family, and community well-being, and impact the development, delivery, and evaluation of consumer goods and services. If you pursue the general Family and Consumer Sciences concentration, you'll gain a broad background in the fields of fashion merchandising, foods and nutrition, and interior design. Otherwise, you can choose any of these subjects as your concentration to go deeper and specialize in a particular field.

Concentrations within the FCS major include:

If you want to teach family and consumer sciences, consider our Family and Consumer Sciences Education Program.

View program courses Download program fact sheet (PDF)

Prepare for your future

Opportunities and outcomes

Family and consumer sciences topics covered

Consumer economics
Professional development and presentation
Parenting and family relationships
Family resource management
Meal planning and preparation
Fashion analysis and forecasting
Clothing and textile construction

Student learning outcomes

Demonstrate professional communication skills in family and consumer sciences settings
Apply knowledge from their program of study to current and future issues in family and consumer sciences
Utilize critical thinking for problem solving in family and consumer sciences settings

Family and consumer sciences internships

Our outstanding Career Services Office is available to help you find family and consumer sciences internships and career opportunities. Students recently completed internships at the following locations:

Finx Fashion Collection
Heritage Homes of Nebraska
Homestead Homes
IKT Boutique
MOD House Interiors
Omaha Fashion Week
Spaces Interior Design

Career services and internships

Graduates of the Family and Consumer Sciences program work in their chosen field using the skills they learned while at Wayne State College. Each year, eager employers welcome WSC graduates into their organizations.

Jobs of recent graduates:

4-H Extension Officer - Pierce County Extension (Pierce, Neb.)
4-H County Youth Educator - ISU Extension & Outreach (Ames, Iowa)
Child and Family Services Case Worker - Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska (Winnebago, Neb.)
Child Specialist - Girls, Inc. (Omaha, Neb.)
Early Childhood Educator - Employer Undisclosed (Omaha, Neb.)
Lead Toddler Teacher - Little Sprouts (Pender, Neb.)

job or grad school placement rate
within six months of graduation
Data based on most recent
employment outcomes survey

Cost of attendance

Most Affordable College in Nebraska

- College Affordability Guide, 2024

Wayne State is considered the most affordable four-year college or university in Nebraska. With same rates for in- and out-of-state students, our tuition guarantee, and our generous scholarship packages, it is clear to see how WSC earned the title. In fact, the average remaining annual cost of attendance for 2024-25 is $2,268 for undergraduate students after financial aid and scholarships.

Credits: 1
Description: The history, growth and development of family and consumer sciences. Career exploration of the opportunities for careers open to family and consumer sciences graduates. Freshmen, sophomores, undeclared majors or by permission of instructor.
Credits: 3
Description: A study of the fundamentals of verbal and nonverbal presentations, media techniques for presenting oral and written information, visual aids and their usage, and display techniques to enable the student to become more skilled at giving professional presentations.
Credits: 3
Description: Development of responsible consumerism through value clarification, goal formulation, decision-making, and effective use of resources.
Credits: 2
Description: Course to enhance the professional development of FCS majors. Topics to include networking, job search skills, portfolio development, professional associations, and entrepreneurship.
Prerequisite: FCS 313 Techniques in Professional Presentation
Choose one of the following courses:
Note:Fashion Merchandising majors will take FCS 103 Clothing Construction
- FCS 103 Clothing Construction (3 credits) - Evaluation of clothing construction for the consumer relative to sewing projects and ready-to-wear. Components of quality workmanship, apparel fibers/fabrics, and cost factors are emphasized through construction projects. Lecture and lab combined.
- FCS 302 Textiles (3 credits) - Serviceability concepts, durability, comfort, care, and appearance as related to fibers, yarns, fabric construction, finishes, and designs. Consumer oriented approach.
Choose one of the following courses:
- FCS 110 Family and Personal Relationships (3 credits) - A study of relationships throughout the life cycle. Application of the critical thinking process to the identification of values, the formulation of goals, and the decision-making model in order to improve the quality of life for individuals and families.
- FCS 115 Human Development and the Family (3 credits) - Principles and concepts of individual development through the lifespan in the context of the family.
Choose one of the following courses:
- FCS 240 Design and Interior Environments (3 credits) - The study and discussion of concepts, issues, and resolutions in which research of human behavior is influenced by built environment. Use of communication skills, problem-solving, and media to design interior environments. An exploration of sustainable design and its effects on interior design, architecture, city planning, and landscape design.
- FCS 305 Housing Development and Design (3 credits) - A study of architectural housing styles, future trends in housing, housing selection as it concerns the family during stages of the family life cycle. Floor plans, furniture arrangement, elements and principles of design, color theory, and their application to housing will be covered. Lecture and lab combined.

Family and consumer sciences concentration (39 credits)

Credits: 3
Description: A study of relationships throughout the life cycle. Application of the critical thinking process to the identification of values, the formulation of goals, and the decision-making model in order to improve the quality of life for individuals and families.
Credits: 3
Description: Application of concepts in menu planning, preparation, and time management principles related to budgeting and purchasing of food. Lecture and lab combined.
Prerequisite: FCS 104 Principles of Food Preparation, FCS 107 Principles of Baking, or instructor approval
Credits: 3
Description: Serviceability concepts, durability, comfort, care, and appearance as related to fibers, yarns, fabric construction, finishes, and designs. Consumer oriented approach.
Credits: 3
Description: Analysis of the management process and socio-economic influences as related to the utilization of resources to meet individual and family goals. Special management situation considered.
Credits: 3
Description: A study of the construction, selection, use, and care of appliances and other technology used in the home; the basic principles in the use of gas and electricity in the home; safety and energy conservation of household technology.
Credits: 3
Description: This course analyzes how the fashion industry decides what is featured in retail stores, from runway collections to the streets of mainstream America. It also explores the factors that affect trends and influence fashion forecasting with examples and industry applications.
Select one of the following courses:
- FCS 104 Principles of Food Preparation (3 credits) - The nutritional value of foods and the relation of food to health, fundamental principles of cookery applied to foods commonly used in the home. Lecture and lab combined. Class fee of $42 required.
- FCS 107 Principles of Baking (3 credits) - An introduction to the principles and techniques used in the preparation of high-quality baked goods, with an emphasis on fundamental production techniques and evaluation of quality characteristics. The course will cover baking ingredients, use of equipment, proper storage, and sanitation methods. Lecture and lab combined. Class fee of $45 required.
Choose one of the following courses:
- FCS 310 Parenting (3 credits) - A study of the parenting relationships over the course of time from preparing for the first child through families with adolescent children into relationships with adult children. Traits and characteristics of healthy families and discipline techniques are included.
- FCS 412 Guiding the Young Child (3 credits) - The role of teachers, childcare providers, and parents in providing an environment that is safe and developmentally appropriate for the development of the child’s potential. The pre-school lab provides opportunity for observing and working with 3-, 4- and 5-year-olds. Lecture and lab combined. Prerequisites: FCS 335 The Pre-School Age Child (3-5 Years), and junior standing or permission of instructor.
Choose 15 credit hours from FCS electives not previously taken, including:
- FCS 103 Clothing Construction (3 credits) - Evaluation of clothing construction for the consumer relative to sewing projects and ready-to-wear. Components of quality workmanship, apparel fibers/fabrics, and cost factors are emphasized through construction projects. Notes: Lecture and lab combined.
- FCS 104 Principles of Food Preparation (3 credits) - The nutritional value of foods and the relation of food to health, fundamental principles of cookery applied to foods commonly used in the home. Class fee: $45. Notes: Lecture and lab combined.
- FCS 106 Introduction to Fashion Industry (2 credits) - This course is a study of the historical evolution of the fashion industry. It will include an analysis of the social and psychological fashion theories related to past and current apparel consumption behavior.
- FCS 107 Principles of Baking (3 credits) - An introduction to the principles and techniques used in the preparation of high-quality baked goods, with an emphasis on fundamental production techniques and evaluation of quality characteristics. The course will cover baking ingredients, use of equipment, proper storage, and sanitation methods. Class fee: $45. Notes: Lecture and lab combined.
- FCS 110 Family and Personal Relationships (3 credits) - A study of relationships throughout the life cycle. Application of the critical thinking process to the identification of values, the formulation of goals, and the decision-making model in order to improve the quality of life for individuals and families.
- FCS 115 Human Development and the Family (3 credits) - Principles and concepts of individual development through the lifespan in the context of the family.
- FCS 120 Introduction to Early Childhood Education (2 credits) - A study of types of early childhood programs. Objectives and philosophies of various early childhood programs and curricula from both historical perspectives and current practices. Legislation and public policies, partnerships with family and community, and working with children with a range of abilities will be addressed. Infant/toddler and pre-school observation hours are required.
- FCS 202 Clothing Design (3 credits) - Styles of fashion relative to garment components and industry trends are studied. Principles and elements of design will be applied to pattern drafting and garment construction. Prerequisite: FCS 103 or instructor approval. Notes: Lecture and lab combined.
- FCS 204 Fashion Illustration (3 credits) - Students will learn technical and illustrative techniques using traditional media and computer software. Notes: Lecture and lab combined.
- FCS 220 Infants and Toddlers (3 credits) - A study of human growth and behavior from conception through two years of age. Curriculum and assessment, language development, appropriate literature, play and discovery, children with a range of abilities, family and community partnerships will be addressed. Early childhood center observation is required. Prerequisite: FCS 120 or instructor approval.
- FCS 240 Design and Interior Environments (3 credits) - The study and discussion of concepts, issues, and resolutions in which research of human behavior is influenced by built environment. Use of communication skills, problem-solving, and media to design interior environments. An exploration of sustainable design and its effects on interior design, architecture, city planning, and landscape design.
- FCS 242 Techniques of Interior Design (3 credits) - Study of design process as it applies to interior spaces. Emphasis on problem-solving and communication skills in space planning. Course will include detailing interior drawings and plans using multiple mediums. Careers in interior design will be explored. Notes: Lecture and lab combined.
- FCS 302 Textiles (3 credits) - Serviceability concepts, durability, comfort, care, and appearance as related to fibers, yarns, fabric construction, finishes, and designs. Consumer oriented approach.
- FCS 303 Fashion Retailing (3 credits) - This course provides an analysis of supply chain distribution and buying for the fashion retail industry. It will include applications to brick and mortar, as well as ecommerce environments. Students will also learn computational concepts in retail math for purposes of analysis, interpretation, and problem-solving contexts.
- FCS 304 Computer Applications for Fashion and Retail (3 credits) - Students will digitally design merchandise displays, store layouts, print and marketing media, website creation, and continue work on portfolio development. Prerequisite: FCS 204 or instructor approval. Notes: Lecture and lab combined
- FCS 305 Housing Development and Design (3 credits) - A study of architectural housing styles, future trends in housing, housing selection as it concerns the family during stages of the family life cycle. Floor plans, furniture arrangement, elements and principles of design, color theory, and their application to housing will be covered. Notes: Lecture and lab combined.
- FCS 312 Historic Costume (3 credits) - This course explores the dress and adornment of ancient times to the 21st century. It will also include an examination of significant global cultures which have influenced the dress of Western civilization.
- FCS 314 Organization and Administration of Family and Consumer Sciences Programs (3 credits) - Introduction to the administration and organization of family and consumer sciences programs including budget and lab management, curriculum development for programs of study and scope/sequence of courses, effective technology use for households and classrooms, and analysis and assessment of resources.
- FCS 317 Nutrition Through the Life Cycle (3 credits) - Knowledge and understanding of nutritional needs and recommendations throughout the life cycle from prenatal nutrition through adulthood and special needs of the elderly. Special emphasis on maternal health and the development of a healthy child.
- FCS 318 Soft Furnishings (3 credits) - The application of elements and principles of design in the use of soft furnishings to enhance the decor of a living space. Measurements and calculations, fabric characteristics, construction techniques, and placement/installation of soft furnishings will be addressed. Notes: Lecture and lab combined
- FCS 322 International Foods and Cultures (3 credits) - An understanding of the influences of cultures on food and nutrition practices and beliefs. Prerequisite: FCS 104 or FCS 107; or instructor approval. Class fee: $45. Notes: Lecture and lab combined.
- FCS 325 Health, Safety, and Nutrition for the Young Child (3 credits) - A course designed to assist early childhood and elementary educators by providing them with knowledge and skills to address the health, safety, and physical needs of young children (0-8 years). The promotion of good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle will also be emphasized.
- FCS 335 The Pre-School Age Child (3 credits) - A study of human growth and behavior from 3 years of age through 5 years of age. Curriculum and assessment, emergent literacy, appropriate literature, play and discovery, children with a range of abilities, and family and community partnerships will be addressed. Early childhood center and pre-school observations are required. Prerequisite: FCS 120 or instructor approval.
- FCS 340 Community Nutrition (3 credits) - This course will enable the student to attain a better understanding of the role of the community nutritionist in providing community nutrition program services and the availability of nutrition programs in the community. Nutrition education techniques for selected groups for health promotion, health maintenance, and rehabilitation will be utilized. Prerequisites: FCS 207 or instructor approval.
- FCS 403 Fashion Analysis (3 credits) - This course analyzes how the fashion industry decides what is featured in retail stores, from runway collections to the streets of mainstream America. It also explores the factors that affect trends and influence fashion forecasting with examples and industry applications
- FCS 407 Nutritional Counseling and Assessment (3 credits) - Fundamental knowledge and skills in nutritional counseling, including theory and strategies of behavior change and principles of nutritional and dietary assessment. Prerequisite: FCS 207 or instructor approval.
- FCS 408 Applied Concepts of Interior Design (3 credits) - Advanced study of the elements and principles of design, color, period decoration and furniture, and residential design, pictorial drawings, materials, and accessories. Client projects, sample boards, and client presentations will be emphasized. Professional practices of design will be explored. Prerequisite: FCS 242 or instructor approval. Notes: Lecture and lab combined

Popular pairings

Many students at Wayne State will add a second major or a minor to complement their program of study or to focus their studies on a specific topic. Students who recently majored in Family and Consumer Sciences at Wayne State also paired this major with one or more of the following programs: